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Trump re-designates Yemen's Houthi movement as 'foreign terrorist organization'

Trump re-designates Yemen's Houthi movement as 'foreign terrorist

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday redesignated Yemen's Houthi movement, officially known as Ansar Allah, as a "foreign terrorist organization", the White House said.

The measure will impose harsher economic sanctions than the Biden administration had applied to the Iran-linked group in response to its attacks on merchant ships in the Red Sea and against U.S. warships protecting the critical naval chokepoint.

Supporters of the measure say it is overdue, although some experts say it could have implications for anyone seen to be helping the Houthis, including some aid organizations.

"The Houthis' activities threaten the safety of American civilians and personnel in the Middle East, the security of our closest regional partners, and the stability of global maritime commerce ," the White House said in a statement.

The Houthis, who control most of Yemen, have carried out more than 100 attacks on ships sailing in the Red Sea since November 2023, saying they were acting in solidarity with the Palestinians in Israel's war against Hamas in Gaza. They have sunk two ships, captured another and killed at least four sailors.

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